§ Mr. Gordon PrenticeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what independent means of verification will be available to ensure that water undertakers(a) maintain the pressure standard and (b) pay £25 to customers who do not receive this service standard as set out in the Water Supply and Sewerage Services (Customer Service Standards) (Amendment) Regulations 1996. [11524]
§ Mr. ClappisonSection 65 of the Water Industry Act 1991 requires water companies to supply water for domestic purposes at such a pressure as will reach the top storey of every building within their area. In practice, the pressure this requires can vary considerably. The Office of Water Services requires companies to report annually the number of properties which are at risk of experiencing problems where pressure falls below a reference level of 10 m head of pressure at a flow of 9 litres per minute, which could be described as sufficient to fill a 2 gallon container in 30 seconds. The way companies report against this standard is reviewed and verified by independent reporters. This enables Ofwat to monitor overall performance and take action where service deteriorates. In the event of a dispute over any claim for payment under the water industry's guaranteed standards scheme, the customer can refer the matter to the Director General of Water Services for determination.